Steven Anthony Malette

Steven Anthony Malette passed away in the arms of his loving family on July 23rd, 2016 after a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer. He never lost his sardonic sense of humor or zest for life despite his physical challenges and cherished time with loved ones and friends throughout his last days.

Steven was born on October 16, 1969 in Ventura, Ca. His parents Harry and Joan Malette and older sister Beverly were overjoyed to add him to their family and described him as a, "sweet, fun-loving little boy ". He grew up in Santa Paula where he attended school and made many lifelong friendships. It is also where he met his first wife, Melissa, who supported and encouraged him when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Together they had two beautiful daughters who were also raised in Santa Paula and were the pride and joy of their parents lives. Steven remained an active co-parent after he and Melissa separated and he maintained a lasting friendship with her family and new husband Jamie.

After his military service ended Steven explored his career choices by enrolling in training as a Big Rig truck driver and upon completion he attended a Culinary Academy to learn to become a Chef. He was a man of many talents and also worked in managerial positions for local companies such as Pick Your Part auto salvaging and URent inc. He wanted to stay working locally to be close to his family.

In 2006 Steven’s sister Beverly reintroduced him to his future wife Wendye who had known him briefly in high school. Beverly and her family had become dear friends with Wendye and her children and were delighted when Steven and Wendye fell in love. With the approval of Steven’s girls and Wendye’s three young children they had a joyful blended family wedding on August 7th, 2010.

Steven had always been very strong and healthy so it was a shock when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2012. He was able to have surgery and radiation which allowed him a partial remission and gave him more time with his family. Unfortunately the tumor began actively growing again in early 2016 and after his mother Joan passed away in April his tumor became unresponsive to continued chemotherapy treatment. He continued to stay alert and maintain a loving attitude despite losing his vision and coordination and was eager to spend time with his family and dear friends up until the time of his passing in July. He was so blessed to develop a strong Faith through his illness that comforted him during his time of need. His kind generosity and warm spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends who knew and loved him.

Steven was preceded in death by his father Harry L. Malette and his mother Joan (Isgrig) Malette. He is survived by his wife Wendye Smith-Malette and three (step)children Alyssa, Joshua, and Jennifer Smith and his daughters Brittany (Malette) Maldonado and Haley Malette. His sister Beverly (Greg) Martinez and nephew Nicholas Martinez of Santa Paula. His sister Leslie (Rob) Spero of Covington, Wa. and his nephew Ross (Corrinne) Spero and niece Victoria (Patrick) Dullenty of Seattle Wa. He was blessed to watch the birth of his first grandchild, Brenden (Hunt) Malette and spend time with him throughout their eight short years together.

His family would like to invite those who knew him to a remembrance/celebration of his life at Skillin-Carroll mortuary on August 27th 2016 between the hours of 11:00 AM and 2:00PM. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (S.P.A.R.C ) at 705 E. Santa Barbara St. Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805) 525-8609. Steven and his family were blessed to be able to foster and adopt several cats and kittens from this local facility.